If you are looking for an alternative to the Florence box canyon you can check out this place near Wickenburg. It is more "untamed" than Florence and it will test you on every type of terrain from desert single track to deep water crossings and steep rocky climbs.

Some of the trails cross the Hasayampa River at different points. The river flows most of the year and is usually very shallow and narrow but during some seasons it can get particularly wide and deep making it difficult to cross (see photos). It has a bottom of soft sand that will quickly capture you if you don’t keep some momentum.

There are also several side trails that lead to some mines and small canyons but they are easy to miss so keep your eyes open. There are some spectacular looking rock canyons to explore and although most of these trails dead end after a short distance, some of the routes have short but truly expert-only rock climbs.

If staging from the south entrance follow the trail along the river bank upstream for about 1.5 miles and you will see a primitive campsite on the west bank with a private "beach" shaded by large trees. This place is called "The Box" and it's got a unique tropical and sort of spooky feel to it with a narrow rock canyon/cave in the back.